Now, even with Windows 8 looming ahead for a late 2012 launch, Microsoft says it expects to move a record amount of Windows 7 personal computers -- 350 million -- in 2012. The figure came courtesy of Microsoft's larger than life CEO Steve Ballmer, who told reporters at a conference in Seoul, South Korea, "It makes Windows the most popular single system."

Gartner, Inc. (IT), a top market research firm estimates that 103 million tablets will be sold in 2012, with two thirds of those being iPads. That places cumulative iPad sales close to 70 million units. Apple sells many more tablets than traditional personal computers.

Still Windows devices will outsell the popular tablet, based on Mr. Ballmer's numbers by roughly a 5-to-1 ratio. Microsoft hopes Windows 8 will expand on that margin, with both Intel Corp. (INTC) and various ARM Holdings plc (LON:ARM) licensees planning majortablet pushes.

Of course Microsoft could face a backlash if Windows 8 is perceived as too much of a "tablet-centric" operating system and a poor choice for traditional personal computers.

quote: That is ok, we haven't stopped laughing from Steve Jobs telling people they were holding their unusable phones wrong because he couldn't fathom to admit his product wasn't perfect.

Me? I'm laughing even harder as SJ's keys to making apple so "cult like" are beginning to unravel. Now the iphone will look different with a different screen and resolution. Next apple will try to dominate the 7" tablet market. Then, as more time progresses, apple will become the typical unfocused company, like anyone else.

Maybe it won't die, but it won't be the apple it was during the last decade.